US6286642B1 - Fluid regulating device for use with a shock-absorbing cylinder to obtain a variable shock absorbing effect - Google Patents

Fluid regulating device for use with a shock-absorbing cylinder to obtain a variable shock absorbing effect Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US6286642B1
US6286642B1 US09/420,053 US42005399A US6286642B1 US 6286642 B1 US6286642 B1 US 6286642B1 US 42005399 A US42005399 A US 42005399A US 6286642 B1 US6286642 B1 US 6286642B1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
fluid
rod
shock
receiving chamber
section
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
US09/420,053
Inventor
Chen-Hsing Yi
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Giant Manufacturing Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Giant Manufacturing Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Giant Manufacturing Co Ltd filed Critical Giant Manufacturing Co Ltd
Priority to US09/420,053 priority Critical patent/US6286642B1/en
Assigned to GIANT MFG. CO., LTD. reassignment GIANT MFG. CO., LTD. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: YI, CHEN-HSING
Priority to DE29918590U priority patent/DE29918590U1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US6286642B1 publication Critical patent/US6286642B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16F—SPRINGS; SHOCK-ABSORBERS; MEANS FOR DAMPING VIBRATION
    • F16F9/00—Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium
    • F16F9/06—Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium using both gas and liquid
    • F16F9/064—Units characterised by the location or shape of the expansion chamber
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
    • B62K25/00—Axle suspensions
    • B62K25/04—Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
    • B62K25/00—Axle suspensions
    • B62K25/04—Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork
    • B62K25/28—Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork with pivoted chain-stay
    • B62K25/30—Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork with pivoted chain-stay pivoted on pedal crank shelf
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16F—SPRINGS; SHOCK-ABSORBERS; MEANS FOR DAMPING VIBRATION
    • F16F9/00—Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium
    • F16F9/32—Details
    • F16F9/44—Means on or in the damper for manual or non-automatic adjustment; such means combined with temperature correction
    • F16F9/46—Means on or in the damper for manual or non-automatic adjustment; such means combined with temperature correction allowing control from a distance, i.e. location of means for control input being remote from site of valves, e.g. on damper external wall
    • F16F9/461—Means on or in the damper for manual or non-automatic adjustment; such means combined with temperature correction allowing control from a distance, i.e. location of means for control input being remote from site of valves, e.g. on damper external wall characterised by actuation means
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16F—SPRINGS; SHOCK-ABSORBERS; MEANS FOR DAMPING VIBRATION
    • F16F9/00—Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium
    • F16F9/32—Details
    • F16F9/44—Means on or in the damper for manual or non-automatic adjustment; such means combined with temperature correction
    • F16F9/46—Means on or in the damper for manual or non-automatic adjustment; such means combined with temperature correction allowing control from a distance, i.e. location of means for control input being remote from site of valves, e.g. on damper external wall
    • F16F9/466—Throttling control, i.e. regulation of flow passage geometry
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2202/00—Indexing codes relating to the type of spring, damper or actuator
    • B60G2202/30—Spring/Damper and/or actuator Units
    • B60G2202/31—Spring/Damper and/or actuator Units with the spring arranged around the damper, e.g. MacPherson strut
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2202/00—Indexing codes relating to the type of spring, damper or actuator
    • B60G2202/30—Spring/Damper and/or actuator Units
    • B60G2202/31—Spring/Damper and/or actuator Units with the spring arranged around the damper, e.g. MacPherson strut
    • B60G2202/312—The spring being a wound spring
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2202/00—Indexing codes relating to the type of spring, damper or actuator
    • B60G2202/30—Spring/Damper and/or actuator Units
    • B60G2202/31—Spring/Damper and/or actuator Units with the spring arranged around the damper, e.g. MacPherson strut
    • B60G2202/314—The spring being a pneumatic spring
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2206/00—Indexing codes related to the manufacturing of suspensions: constructional features, the materials used, procedures or tools
    • B60G2206/01—Constructional features of suspension elements, e.g. arms, dampers, springs
    • B60G2206/40—Constructional features of dampers and/or springs
    • B60G2206/42—Springs
    • B60G2206/422—Accumulators for hydropneumatic springs
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2300/00—Indexing codes relating to the type of vehicle
    • B60G2300/12—Cycles; Motorcycles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2500/00—Indexing codes relating to the regulated action or device
    • B60G2500/10—Damping action or damper
    • B60G2500/11—Damping valves
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2500/00—Indexing codes relating to the regulated action or device
    • B60G2500/20—Spring action or springs
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
    • B62K25/00—Axle suspensions
    • B62K25/04—Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork
    • B62K2025/048—Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork with suspension manual adjustment details

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a fluid regulating device, more particularly to a fluid regulating device for use with a shock-absorbing cylinder to obtain a variable shock absorbing effect.
  • a cylinder device is generally installed in a bicycle to serve as a shock absorbing apparatus to absorb shock which results when the bicycle travels along an uneven road surface.
  • shock absorbing apparatus such as a spring-type or hydraulic-type or a combination of both types, presently available in the market, they are not adjustable in order to provide a variable shock absorbing effect so as to conform with the road conditions.
  • the main object of this invention is to provide a fluid regulating device for use with a shock-absorbing cylinder to obtain a variable shock absorbing effect.
  • the fluid regulating device of the present invention is used together with a shock-absorbing cylinder to obtain a variable shock absorbing effect.
  • the shock-absorbing device includes a cylinder body and a piston.
  • the cylinder body has a first end portion formed with a fluid port, and a second end portion.
  • the piston is slidingly and sealingly disposed in the second end portion of the cylinder body, and is movable in a first direction toward the first end portion to cause fluid in the cylinder body to flow out of the fluid port, and in a second direction away from the first end portion in response to return flow of the fluid into the fluid port.
  • the shock-absorbing cylinder further includes a piston rod that has a connecting end connected to the piston, and a coupling end extending out of the second end portion of the cylinder body.
  • the fluid regulating device includes a valve housing, a fluid regulating rod, and a control device.
  • the valve housing is formed with a piston receiving chamber and a regulator receiving chamber.
  • the piston receiving chamber has a piston member slidingly and sealingly disposed therein.
  • the piston member divides the piston receiving chamber into a volume-variable gas compartment and a volume-variable fluid compartment on opposite sides of the piston member.
  • the gas compartment stores pressurized gas therein.
  • the regulator receiving chamber has a large-diameter rod receiving section that extends in a longitudinal direction, and a small-diameter fluid channel with a rate control section that is aligned with and that extends from the rod receiving section.
  • the fluid channel interconnects fluidly the rod receiving section and the fluid compartment.
  • a fluid opening is disposed adjacent to the rate control section of the fluid channel.
  • the fluid opening is in fluid communication with the rod receiving section and is adapted to be connected fluidly to the fluid port.
  • the fluid regulating rod is disposed inside the regulator receiving chamber, and includes a slide portion slidingly and sealingly disposed in the rod receiving section, and a passage-forming portion that extends from the slide portion and that has a cross-section smaller than that of the slide portion.
  • the passage-forming,portion is disposed adjacent to the fluid opening and defines a fluid passage inside the regulator receiving chamber to communicate fluidly the rate control section of the fluid channel and the fluid opening.
  • a fluid-controlling portion extends from the passage-forming portion and is extendible into the rate control section of the fluid channel to control rate of fluid flow through the fluid channel.
  • An actuated portion extends from the slide portion and outwardly of the regulator receiving chamber.
  • the control device includes a driving motor with an output shaft, and a cam member mounted on the output shaft. The cam member has a cam surface that abuts against the actuated portion of the fluid regulating rod.
  • the cam member is rotated by the driving motor to cause the cam surface thereof to push the fluid regulating rod and move the slide portion of the fluid regulating rod inside the rod receiving section so as to vary degree of extension of the fluid-controlling portion of the fluid regulating rod into the rate control section of the fluid channel in order to control the rate of the fluid flow through the fluid channel for achieving the variable shock absorbing effect.
  • FIG. 1 shows a bicycle in which the first preferred embodiment of a fluid regulating device of the present invention is mounted for use with a shock-absorbing cylinder to serve as a shock absorbing apparatus;
  • FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the first preferred embodiment
  • FIG. 3 shows a cam member employed in the first preferred embodiment
  • FIG. 4 (A) is a sectional view of the first preferred embodiment shown together with a hydraulic cylinder, illustrating a first condition of use where the first preferred embodiment absorbs a relatively large amount of shock;
  • FIG. 4 (B) is a sectional view of the first preferred embodiment shown together with a hydraulic cylinder, illustrating a second condition of use where the first preferred embodiment absorbs a smaller amount of shock;
  • FIG. 4 (C) is a sectional view of the first preferred embodiment shown together with a hydraulic cylinder, illustrating a third condition of use where the first preferred embodiment absorbs a minimum amount of shock;
  • FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a second preferred embodiment of the present invention shown together with a pneumatic cylinder
  • FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a third preferred embodiment of the present invention shown together with another hydraulic cylinder.
  • FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention shown together with a hydraulic cylinder on a bicycle fork.
  • the first preferred embodiment of a fluid regulating device of the present invention is adapted for use with a shock-absorbing cylinder 20 to form a shock absorbing apparatus with a variable shock absorbing effect.
  • the fluid regulating device includes a valve housing 30 , a fluid regulating rod 40 , and a control device.
  • the cylinder 20 is a hydraulic cylinder that includes a cylinder body 22 filled with hydraulic fluid.
  • the cylinder body 22 includes a first end portion 221 formed with a fluid port 222 , and a second end portion 223 that has a piston 23 slidingly and sealingly disposed therein.
  • the piston 23 is movable against biasing action of a coil spring 21 in a first direction toward the first end portion 221 to cause the hydraulic fluid to flow out of the fluid port 222 , and in a second direction away from the first end portion 221 due to restoration force of the coil spring 21 and in response to return flow of the hydraulic fluid into the fluid port 222 .
  • the cylinder 20 further includes a piston rod 24 that has a connecting end 241 connected to the piston 23 , and a coupling end 242 extending out of the second end portion 223 of the cylinder body 22 .
  • the valve housing 30 is formed with a regulator receiving chamber 31 and a piston receiving chamber 32 that has a piston member 321 slidingly and sealingly disposed therein.
  • the piston member 321 divides the piston receiving chamber 32 into a volume-variable gas compartment 322 and a volume-variable fluid compartment 323 on opposite sides of the piston member 321 .
  • the gas compartment 322 stores a pressurized gas therein.
  • the regulator receiving chamber 31 has a large-diameter rod receiving section 311 that extends in a longitudinal direction, and a small-diameter fluid channel 312 with a rate control section 314 that is aligned with and that extends from the rod receiving section 311 .
  • the fluid channel 312 interconnects fluidly the rod receiving section 311 and the fluid compartment 323 .
  • the regulator receiving chamber 31 has a fluid opening 33 adjacent to and in fluid communication with the rod receiving section 311 .
  • the fluid opening 33 is adapted to be connected fluidly to the fluid port 222 of the cylinder body 22 .
  • the fluid regulating rod 40 is disposed inside the regulator receiving chamber 31 , and has a slide portion 41 slidingly and sealingly disposed in the rod receiving section 311 , and a passage-forming portion 43 that extends from the slide portion 41 and that has a cross-section smaller than that of the slide portion 41 .
  • the passage-forming portion 43 is disposed adjacent to the fluid opening 33 and defines a fluid passage 411 inside the regulator receiving chamber 31 to communicate fluidly the rate control section 314 of the fluid channel 312 and the fluid opening 33 .
  • the fluid regulating rod 40 further has a fluid-controlling portion 42 that extends from the passage-forming portion 43 and that is extendible into the rate control section 314 of the fluid channel 312 to control rate of fluid flow through the fluid channel 312 , and an actuated portion 44 that extends from the slide portion 41 and that extends outwardly of the regulator receiving chamber 31 .
  • the slide portion 41 of the regulating rod 40 is formed with a circumferential groove to receive a seal ring 45 which contacts slidingly and sealingly an inner wall that confines the rod receiving section 311 of the regulator receiving chamber 31 .
  • the control device is mounted on an outer surface of the valve housing 30 , and includes a driving motor 50 with an output shaft 51 , and a cam member 52 mounted on the output shaft 51 .
  • the cam member 52 has a cam surface 521 (see FIG. 3) that abuts against the actuated portion 44 of the fluid regulating rod 40 .
  • the cam member 52 is rotated by the driving motor 51 to cause the cam surface 521 thereof to push the fluid regulating rod 40 and move the slide portion 41 of the regulating rod 40 inside the rod receiving section 311 so as to vary degree of extension of the fluid-controlling portion 42 of the fluid regulating rod 40 into the rate control section 314 of the fluid channel 312 in order to control the rate of the fluid flow through the fluid channel 312 for achieving the variable shock absorbing effect.
  • the valve housing 30 is further formed with a housing shoulder 313 between the rod receiving section 311 and the rate control section 314 of the fluid channel 312 .
  • the fluid-controlling portion 42 of the fluid regulating rod 40 has a cross-section smaller than that of the passage-forming portion 43 to form an abutment shoulder 421 between the fluid-controlling portion 42 and the passage-forming portion 43 .
  • abutment of the abutment shoulder 421 with the housing shoulder 313 blocks entirely the fluid flow through the fluid channel 312 .
  • the fluid-controlling portion 42 of the fluid regulating rod 40 tapers in a direction away from the passage-forming portion 43 .
  • the driving motor 50 is preferably a servo motor.
  • the cam member 52 is a drive wheel mounted eccentrically on the output shaft 51 of the driving motor 50 such that different angular orientation of the drive wheel will provide different extension of the fluid-controlling portion 42 of the fluid regulating rod 40 into the rate control section 313 of the fluid channel 312 .
  • the valve housing 30 is formed as a cap member which is mounted on the first end portion 221 of the cylinder body 22 and which has a connecting portion 35 connected pivotally to the wheel-carrying rear frame 101 of a bicycle, as best shown in FIG. 1 .
  • the regulator receiving chamber 31 is formed in an end wall of the valve housing 30
  • the piston receiving chamber 32 is formed as an annular chamber in an annular surrounding wall of the valve housing 30 .
  • the piston member 321 is formed as an annular member around the first end portion 221 of the cylinder body 22 .
  • the fluid port 222 is an open mouth of the first end portion 221 .
  • the coupling end 242 of the piston rod 24 is connected pivotally to the wheel-carrying front frame 102 of the bicycle.
  • the control device further includes an operating panel 70 with three different switches 71 , and a control circuit 60 connected electrically to the driving motor 50 and the operating panel 70 via two connecting wires 63 , 72 .
  • the control panel 70 is mounted on the handlebar of the bicycle.
  • the operating panel 70 can be provided with a display member (not shown) to indicate the residual power of a battery unit (not shown).
  • the operating panel 70 is operable in the following manner so as to control operation of the driving motor 50 .
  • the first switch 71 of the operating panel 70 can be manipulated so as to generate a first signal which is transmitted to the control circuit 60 such that the control circuit 60 will command the driving motor 50 and drive the cam member 52 to rotate so that a relatively large fluid passage 411 will be formed between the housing shoulder 313 and the abutment shoulder 421 .
  • a relatively large amount of fluid from the cylinder body 22 will flow into the fluid compartment 323 via the rate control section 314 so that the shock absorbing apparatus of the present invention will be able to absorb a relatively large amount of shock by virtue of the restoration force attributed to the pressurized gas in the volume-variable gas chamber 322 .
  • the shock absorbing apparatus only needs to absorb a relatively small amount of shock.
  • the second switch 71 of the operating panel 70 can be manipulated to convey a second signal to the control circuit 60 for commanding the driving motor 50 to consequently drive the cam member 52 such that a smaller fluid passage 411 will be formed between the housing shoulder 313 and the abutment shoulder 421 .
  • a relatively small amount of fluid from the cylinder body 22 will be able to flow into the fluid compartment 323 via the rate control section 314 so that a relatively small amount of shock will be absorbed by virtue of the restoration force attributed to the pressurized gas in the volume-variable gas chamber 322 .
  • the third switch 71 of the operating panel 70 can be manipulated to convey a third signal to the control circuit 60 for commanding the driving motor 51 .
  • the driving motor 51 correspondingly drives the cam member 52 such that the abutment shoulder 421 will abut against the housing shoulder 313 and interrupt fluid communication between the fluid compartment 323 and the cylinder body 22 .
  • a second preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown to be similar to the first preferred embodiment in structure except that the shock-absorbing cylinder 20 includes a pneumatic cylinder body 23 , and a compression spring 315 is sleeved around the fluid-controlling portion 42 of the fluid regulating rod 40 in the fluid channel 312 to bias the fluid regulating rod 40 to an initial position.
  • FIG. 6 shows a third preferred embodiment of the present invention to be similar to the first preferred embodiment in structure, except that the hydraulic cylinder 20 includes a compressive elastomeric body 240 disposed around the cylinder body 22 .
  • the elastomeric body 240 is formed with a plurality of circumferential grooves 241 which assist in swift restoration of the piston member 23 to its initial position.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates how a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention is used together with a bicycle fork assembly 25 .
  • one of the prongs 251 of the fork assembly 25 includes a hydraulic cylinder body 26 having a first end portion formed with a fluid port (not shown) for connection with the fluid compartment 323 of the valve housing 40 in the fourth preferred embodiment via a tube 262 , and a second end portion in which a piston member 261 is sealingly and slidably disposed.
  • a piston rod 252 has a connecting end connected to the piston member 261 and a coupling end extending outwardly of the cylinder body 26 for receiving an axle of a wheel (not shown).
  • the features and objects are the same as those of the previous embodiments.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Fluid-Damping Devices (AREA)

Abstract

A fluid regulating device includes a valve housing formed with a piston receiving chamber that has a piston member slidingly and sealingly disposed therein to divide the piston receiving chamber into a volume-variable gas compartment filled with pressurized gas and a volume-variable fluid compartment. A regulator receiving chamber has a large-diameter rod receiving section, and a small-diameter fluid channel with a rate control section that is aligned with and that extends from the rod receiving section. The fluid channel interconects fluidly the rod receiving section and the fluid compartment. A fluid regulating rod is disposed inside the regulator receiving chamber, and includes a slide portion slidingly and sealingly disposed in the rod receiving section, and a passage-forming portion that has a cross-section smaller than that of the slide portion to define a fluid passage inside the regulator receiving chamber for communicating fluidly the rate control section and a fluid opening that is in fluid communication with the rod receiving section. A fluid-controlling portion extends from the passage-forming portion and is extendible into the rate control section. An actuated portion extends from the slide portion and outwardly of the regulator receiving chamber.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a fluid regulating device, more particularly to a fluid regulating device for use with a shock-absorbing cylinder to obtain a variable shock absorbing effect.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A cylinder device is generally installed in a bicycle to serve as a shock absorbing apparatus to absorb shock which results when the bicycle travels along an uneven road surface. Although there are different types of shock absorbing apparatus, such as a spring-type or hydraulic-type or a combination of both types, presently available in the market, they are not adjustable in order to provide a variable shock absorbing effect so as to conform with the road conditions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The main object of this invention is to provide a fluid regulating device for use with a shock-absorbing cylinder to obtain a variable shock absorbing effect.
Accordingly, the fluid regulating device of the present invention is used together with a shock-absorbing cylinder to obtain a variable shock absorbing effect. The shock-absorbing device includes a cylinder body and a piston. The cylinder body has a first end portion formed with a fluid port, and a second end portion. The piston is slidingly and sealingly disposed in the second end portion of the cylinder body, and is movable in a first direction toward the first end portion to cause fluid in the cylinder body to flow out of the fluid port, and in a second direction away from the first end portion in response to return flow of the fluid into the fluid port. The shock-absorbing cylinder further includes a piston rod that has a connecting end connected to the piston, and a coupling end extending out of the second end portion of the cylinder body. The fluid regulating device includes a valve housing, a fluid regulating rod, and a control device. The valve housing is formed with a piston receiving chamber and a regulator receiving chamber. The piston receiving chamber has a piston member slidingly and sealingly disposed therein. The piston member divides the piston receiving chamber into a volume-variable gas compartment and a volume-variable fluid compartment on opposite sides of the piston member. The gas compartment stores pressurized gas therein. The regulator receiving chamber has a large-diameter rod receiving section that extends in a longitudinal direction, and a small-diameter fluid channel with a rate control section that is aligned with and that extends from the rod receiving section. The fluid channel interconnects fluidly the rod receiving section and the fluid compartment. A fluid opening is disposed adjacent to the rate control section of the fluid channel. The fluid opening is in fluid communication with the rod receiving section and is adapted to be connected fluidly to the fluid port. The fluid regulating rod is disposed inside the regulator receiving chamber, and includes a slide portion slidingly and sealingly disposed in the rod receiving section, and a passage-forming portion that extends from the slide portion and that has a cross-section smaller than that of the slide portion. The passage-forming,portion is disposed adjacent to the fluid opening and defines a fluid passage inside the regulator receiving chamber to communicate fluidly the rate control section of the fluid channel and the fluid opening. A fluid-controlling portion extends from the passage-forming portion and is extendible into the rate control section of the fluid channel to control rate of fluid flow through the fluid channel. An actuated portion extends from the slide portion and outwardly of the regulator receiving chamber. The control device includes a driving motor with an output shaft, and a cam member mounted on the output shaft. The cam member has a cam surface that abuts against the actuated portion of the fluid regulating rod. The cam member is rotated by the driving motor to cause the cam surface thereof to push the fluid regulating rod and move the slide portion of the fluid regulating rod inside the rod receiving section so as to vary degree of extension of the fluid-controlling portion of the fluid regulating rod into the rate control section of the fluid channel in order to control the rate of the fluid flow through the fluid channel for achieving the variable shock absorbing effect.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Other features and advantages of this invention will become more apparent in the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of this invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 shows a bicycle in which the first preferred embodiment of a fluid regulating device of the present invention is mounted for use with a shock-absorbing cylinder to serve as a shock absorbing apparatus;
FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the first preferred embodiment;
FIG. 3 shows a cam member employed in the first preferred embodiment;
FIG. 4(A) is a sectional view of the first preferred embodiment shown together with a hydraulic cylinder, illustrating a first condition of use where the first preferred embodiment absorbs a relatively large amount of shock;
FIG. 4(B) is a sectional view of the first preferred embodiment shown together with a hydraulic cylinder, illustrating a second condition of use where the first preferred embodiment absorbs a smaller amount of shock;
FIG. 4(C) is a sectional view of the first preferred embodiment shown together with a hydraulic cylinder, illustrating a third condition of use where the first preferred embodiment absorbs a minimum amount of shock;
FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a second preferred embodiment of the present invention shown together with a pneumatic cylinder;
FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a third preferred embodiment of the present invention shown together with another hydraulic cylinder; and
FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention shown together with a hydraulic cylinder on a bicycle fork.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the first preferred embodiment of a fluid regulating device of the present invention is adapted for use with a shock-absorbing cylinder 20 to form a shock absorbing apparatus with a variable shock absorbing effect. The fluid regulating device includes a valve housing 30, a fluid regulating rod 40, and a control device.
As illustrated, the cylinder 20 is a hydraulic cylinder that includes a cylinder body 22 filled with hydraulic fluid. The cylinder body 22 includes a first end portion 221 formed with a fluid port 222, and a second end portion 223 that has a piston 23 slidingly and sealingly disposed therein. The piston 23 is movable against biasing action of a coil spring 21 in a first direction toward the first end portion 221 to cause the hydraulic fluid to flow out of the fluid port 222, and in a second direction away from the first end portion 221 due to restoration force of the coil spring 21 and in response to return flow of the hydraulic fluid into the fluid port 222. The cylinder 20 further includes a piston rod 24 that has a connecting end 241 connected to the piston 23, and a coupling end 242 extending out of the second end portion 223 of the cylinder body 22.
The valve housing 30 is formed with a regulator receiving chamber 31 and a piston receiving chamber 32 that has a piston member 321 slidingly and sealingly disposed therein. The piston member 321 divides the piston receiving chamber 32 into a volume-variable gas compartment 322 and a volume-variable fluid compartment 323 on opposite sides of the piston member 321. The gas compartment 322 stores a pressurized gas therein.
The regulator receiving chamber 31 has a large-diameter rod receiving section 311 that extends in a longitudinal direction, and a small-diameter fluid channel 312 with a rate control section 314 that is aligned with and that extends from the rod receiving section 311. The fluid channel 312 interconnects fluidly the rod receiving section 311 and the fluid compartment 323.
The regulator receiving chamber 31 has a fluid opening 33 adjacent to and in fluid communication with the rod receiving section 311. The fluid opening 33 is adapted to be connected fluidly to the fluid port 222 of the cylinder body 22.
The fluid regulating rod 40 is disposed inside the regulator receiving chamber 31, and has a slide portion 41 slidingly and sealingly disposed in the rod receiving section 311, and a passage-forming portion 43 that extends from the slide portion 41 and that has a cross-section smaller than that of the slide portion 41. The passage-forming portion 43 is disposed adjacent to the fluid opening 33 and defines a fluid passage 411 inside the regulator receiving chamber 31 to communicate fluidly the rate control section 314 of the fluid channel 312 and the fluid opening 33. The fluid regulating rod 40 further has a fluid-controlling portion 42 that extends from the passage-forming portion 43 and that is extendible into the rate control section 314 of the fluid channel 312 to control rate of fluid flow through the fluid channel 312, and an actuated portion 44 that extends from the slide portion 41 and that extends outwardly of the regulator receiving chamber 31. In order to prevent fluid leakage from the regulator receiving chamber 31 due to movement of the fluid regulator rod 40 therein, the slide portion 41 of the regulating rod 40 is formed with a circumferential groove to receive a seal ring 45 which contacts slidingly and sealingly an inner wall that confines the rod receiving section 311 of the regulator receiving chamber 31.
The control device is mounted on an outer surface of the valve housing 30, and includes a driving motor 50 with an output shaft 51, and a cam member 52 mounted on the output shaft 51. The cam member 52 has a cam surface 521 (see FIG. 3) that abuts against the actuated portion 44 of the fluid regulating rod 40. The cam member 52 is rotated by the driving motor 51 to cause the cam surface 521 thereof to push the fluid regulating rod 40 and move the slide portion 41 of the regulating rod 40 inside the rod receiving section 311 so as to vary degree of extension of the fluid-controlling portion 42 of the fluid regulating rod 40 into the rate control section 314 of the fluid channel 312 in order to control the rate of the fluid flow through the fluid channel 312 for achieving the variable shock absorbing effect.
The valve housing 30 is further formed with a housing shoulder 313 between the rod receiving section 311 and the rate control section 314 of the fluid channel 312. The fluid-controlling portion 42 of the fluid regulating rod 40 has a cross-section smaller than that of the passage-forming portion 43 to form an abutment shoulder 421 between the fluid-controlling portion 42 and the passage-forming portion 43. Thus, abutment of the abutment shoulder 421 with the housing shoulder 313 blocks entirely the fluid flow through the fluid channel 312.
The fluid-controlling portion 42 of the fluid regulating rod 40 tapers in a direction away from the passage-forming portion 43. The driving motor 50 is preferably a servo motor. The cam member 52 is a drive wheel mounted eccentrically on the output shaft 51 of the driving motor 50 such that different angular orientation of the drive wheel will provide different extension of the fluid-controlling portion 42 of the fluid regulating rod 40 into the rate control section 313 of the fluid channel 312.
In the first preferred embodiment, the valve housing 30 is formed as a cap member which is mounted on the first end portion 221 of the cylinder body 22 and which has a connecting portion 35 connected pivotally to the wheel-carrying rear frame 101 of a bicycle, as best shown in FIG. 1. The regulator receiving chamber 31 is formed in an end wall of the valve housing 30, whereas the piston receiving chamber 32 is formed as an annular chamber in an annular surrounding wall of the valve housing 30. The piston member 321 is formed as an annular member around the first end portion 221 of the cylinder body 22. The fluid port 222 is an open mouth of the first end portion 221. The coupling end 242 of the piston rod 24 is connected pivotally to the wheel-carrying front frame 102 of the bicycle. The control device further includes an operating panel 70 with three different switches 71, and a control circuit 60 connected electrically to the driving motor 50 and the operating panel 70 via two connecting wires 63, 72. Preferably, the control panel 70 is mounted on the handlebar of the bicycle. The operating panel 70 can be provided with a display member (not shown) to indicate the residual power of a battery unit (not shown). In this embodiment, the operating panel 70 is operable in the following manner so as to control operation of the driving motor 50.
With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4(A), when the bicycle is travelling on an uneven road surface that is full of deep holes, the first switch 71 of the operating panel 70 can be manipulated so as to generate a first signal which is transmitted to the control circuit 60 such that the control circuit 60 will command the driving motor 50 and drive the cam member 52 to rotate so that a relatively large fluid passage 411 will be formed between the housing shoulder 313 and the abutment shoulder 421. Under this condition, a relatively large amount of fluid from the cylinder body 22 will flow into the fluid compartment 323 via the rate control section 314 so that the shock absorbing apparatus of the present invention will be able to absorb a relatively large amount of shock by virtue of the restoration force attributed to the pressurized gas in the volume-variable gas chamber 322.
Referring to FIG. 4(B), in case the bicycle is travelling on a relatively even road surface, the shock absorbing apparatus only needs to absorb a relatively small amount of shock. Under such a condition, the second switch 71 of the operating panel 70 can be manipulated to convey a second signal to the control circuit 60 for commanding the driving motor 50 to consequently drive the cam member 52 such that a smaller fluid passage 411 will be formed between the housing shoulder 313 and the abutment shoulder 421. Thus, a relatively small amount of fluid from the cylinder body 22 will be able to flow into the fluid compartment 323 via the rate control section 314 so that a relatively small amount of shock will be absorbed by virtue of the restoration force attributed to the pressurized gas in the volume-variable gas chamber 322.
Referring to FIG. 4(C), in the event that the bicycle is travelling on a very even road surface or climbing a sloped road surface, there is no shock experienced and thus, it is desired that the travelling speed of the bicycle will not be hampered by the shock absorbing action. At this time, the third switch 71 of the operating panel 70 can be manipulated to convey a third signal to the control circuit 60 for commanding the driving motor 51. The driving motor 51 correspondingly drives the cam member 52 such that the abutment shoulder 421 will abut against the housing shoulder 313 and interrupt fluid communication between the fluid compartment 323 and the cylinder body 22.
Referring to FIG. 5, a second preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown to be similar to the first preferred embodiment in structure except that the shock-absorbing cylinder 20 includes a pneumatic cylinder body 23, and a compression spring 315 is sleeved around the fluid-controlling portion 42 of the fluid regulating rod 40 in the fluid channel 312 to bias the fluid regulating rod 40 to an initial position.
FIG. 6 shows a third preferred embodiment of the present invention to be similar to the first preferred embodiment in structure, except that the hydraulic cylinder 20 includes a compressive elastomeric body 240 disposed around the cylinder body 22. The elastomeric body 240 is formed with a plurality of circumferential grooves 241 which assist in swift restoration of the piston member 23 to its initial position.
FIG. 7 illustrates how a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention is used together with a bicycle fork assembly 25. As shown, one of the prongs 251 of the fork assembly 25 includes a hydraulic cylinder body 26 having a first end portion formed with a fluid port (not shown) for connection with the fluid compartment 323 of the valve housing 40 in the fourth preferred embodiment via a tube 262, and a second end portion in which a piston member 261 is sealingly and slidably disposed. A piston rod 252 has a connecting end connected to the piston member 261 and a coupling end extending outwardly of the cylinder body 26 for receiving an axle of a wheel (not shown). The features and objects are the same as those of the previous embodiments.
With this invention thus explained, it is apparent that numerous modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention. It is, thus, intended that this invention be limited only as indicated in the appended claims.

Claims (7)

I claim:
1. A shock-absorbing device comprising:
a shock-absorbing cylinder including a cylinder unit having a first cylinder portion with opposite first and second ends, and a second cylinder portion in fluid communication with said second end of said first cylinder portion, said second cylinder portion having a piston slidingly and sealingly disposed therein, said shock-absorbing cylinder further including a piston rod having a connecting end connected to said piston and a coupling end extending out of said second cylinder portion; and
a fluid regulating device including a valve housing capped on said first cylinder portion of said cylinder unit and formed with an end wall for closing said first end of said first cylinder portion, a surrounding wall that extends from said end wall and that surrounds said first cylinder portion, and an end flange that extends inwardly from said surrounding wall and that is in sealing contact with said first cylinder portion;
said valve housing cooperating with said first cylinder portion to confine a piston receiving chamber around said first cylinder portion, said piston receiving chamber having a piston member slidingly and sealingly disposed therein to divide said piston receiving chamber into a volume-variable gas compartment and a volume-variable fluid compartment on opposite sides of said piston member, said gas compartment being disposed proximate to said end flange and storing pressurized gas therein, said fluid compartment being disposed proximate to said end wall;
said end wall being formed with a regulator receiving chamber that extends in a longitudinal direction transverse to an axis of said first cylinder portion, said regulator receiving chamber having a large-diameter rod receiving section and a small-diameter fluid channel with a rate control section that is aligned with and that extends from said rod receiving section in the longitudinal direction toward said surrounding wall;
said end wall being further formed with a first fluid opening that is in fluid communication with said rod receiving section adjacent to said rate control section of said fluid channel and with said first end of said first cylinder portion;
said end wall being further formed with a second fluid opening that is in fluid communication with said fluid channel adjacent to said surrounding wall and with said fluid compartment;
said fluid regulating device further including a fluid regulating rod disposed inside said regulator receiving chamber, said fluid regulating rod having
a slide portion slidingly and sealingly disposed in said rod receiving section,
a passage-forming portion extending from said slide portion in the longitudinal direction and having a cross-section smaller than that of said slide portion, said passage-forming portion being disposed adjacent to said first fluid opening and defining a fluid passage inside said regulator receiving chamber to communicate fluidly said rate control section of said fluid channel and said first fluid opening,
a fluid-controlling portion extending from said passage-forming portion in the longitudinal direction and extendible into said rate control section of said fluid channel to control rate of fluid flow through said fluid channel, and
an actuated portion extending from said slide portion in the longitudinal direction and outwardly of said regulator receiving chamber;
an actuated portion extending from said slide portion in the longitudinal direction and outwardly of said regulator receiving chamber;
said fluid regulating device further including a control device having a driving motor with an output shaft, and a cam member mounted on said output shaft and having a cam surface that abuts against said actuated portion of said regulating rod, said cam member being rotated by said driving motor to cause said cam surface thereof to push said fluid regulating rod and move said slide portion of said fluid regulating rod inside said rod receiving section so as to vary degree of extension of said fluid-controlling portion of said fluid regulating rod into said rate control section of said fluid channel in order to control the rate of the fluid flow through said fluid channel.
2. The shock-absorbing device as defined in claim 1, wherein said end wall is further formed with a housing shoulder between said rod receiving section and said fluid channel, said fluid-controlling portion of said fluid regulating rod having a cross-section smaller than that of said passage-forming portion to form an abutment shoulder between said fluid-controlling portion and said passage-forming portion, whereby abutment of said abutment shoulder against said housing shoulder blocks entirely the fluid flow through said fluid channel.
3. The shock-absorbing device as defined in claim 1, wherein said fluid-controlling portion of said fluid regulating rod tapers in a direction away from said passage-forming portion.
4. The shock-absorbing device as defined in claim 1, wherein said driving motor is a servo motor.
5. The shock-absorbing device as defined in claim 1, wherein said cam member is a drive wheel mounted eccentrically on said output shaft of said driving motor.
6. The shock-absorbing device as defined in claim 1, wherein said control device is mounted on said valve housing.
7. The shock-absorbing device as defined in claim 1, further comprising a control circuit connected electrically to said driving motor and operable so as to control operation of said driving motor.
US09/420,053 1999-10-18 1999-10-18 Fluid regulating device for use with a shock-absorbing cylinder to obtain a variable shock absorbing effect Expired - Fee Related US6286642B1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/420,053 US6286642B1 (en) 1999-10-18 1999-10-18 Fluid regulating device for use with a shock-absorbing cylinder to obtain a variable shock absorbing effect
DE29918590U DE29918590U1 (en) 1999-10-18 1999-10-21 Fluid control device for use with a shock absorber cylinder to achieve a variable shock absorber effect

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/420,053 US6286642B1 (en) 1999-10-18 1999-10-18 Fluid regulating device for use with a shock-absorbing cylinder to obtain a variable shock absorbing effect
DE29918590U DE29918590U1 (en) 1999-10-18 1999-10-21 Fluid control device for use with a shock absorber cylinder to achieve a variable shock absorber effect

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US6286642B1 true US6286642B1 (en) 2001-09-11

Family

ID=26062839

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/420,053 Expired - Fee Related US6286642B1 (en) 1999-10-18 1999-10-18 Fluid regulating device for use with a shock-absorbing cylinder to obtain a variable shock absorbing effect

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (1) US6286642B1 (en)
DE (1) DE29918590U1 (en)

Cited By (39)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20040020730A1 (en) * 2002-05-29 2004-02-05 Progressive Suspension, Inc., Hydraulic dampers with pressure regulated control valve
US6688626B2 (en) * 2000-03-20 2004-02-10 Andreas Felsl Bicycle
US6786498B1 (en) * 2003-04-28 2004-09-07 Giant Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Shock absorbing device for a bicycle
US20040232650A1 (en) * 2001-07-06 2004-11-25 Andreas Felsl Bicycle
US20040239071A1 (en) * 2003-05-27 2004-12-02 Chamberlain Jason L. Bicycle rear suspension
US6863291B2 (en) * 2000-01-13 2005-03-08 Shimano, Inc. Bicycle suspension
US20050077131A1 (en) * 2003-10-08 2005-04-14 Peter Russell Shock absorber apparatus
US20050178626A1 (en) * 2004-02-13 2005-08-18 Progressive Suspension, Inc. Pressure regulating dampers
US20050218573A1 (en) * 2003-06-17 2005-10-06 Arvin Technologies, Inc. ATV coil spring preload equalizing adjuster
US20050241869A1 (en) * 2003-01-23 2005-11-03 Phillips J A Iii Personal transport vehicle, such as bicycle
US20050252330A1 (en) * 2004-05-13 2005-11-17 Denk Engineering Gmbh Switch apparatus
GB2415027A (en) * 2004-06-11 2005-12-14 James Davies Internal coil shock absorber
US20060064223A1 (en) * 2004-09-20 2006-03-23 Darrell Voss Vehicle systems and method
US20060226587A1 (en) * 2005-04-06 2006-10-12 Arvinmeritor Technology, Llc Load adaptive damper with transient air signal restrictor
US20070108725A1 (en) * 2005-11-14 2007-05-17 Santa Cruz Bicycles, Inc. Bicycle rear wheel suspension system with controlled variable shock rate
US20080007025A1 (en) * 1999-04-06 2008-01-10 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Bicycle damping enhancement system
US20080252040A1 (en) * 2007-04-16 2008-10-16 James Colegrove Bicycle rear wheel suspension system
US20090001684A1 (en) * 2007-06-29 2009-01-01 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Bicycle suspension assembly
ES2319140A1 (en) * 2006-05-11 2009-05-04 Universitat Politecnica De Catalunya ACTIVE SUSPENSION SYSTEM FOR TWO-WHEELED VEHICLES.
USD593457S1 (en) 2007-06-29 2009-06-02 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Bicycle frame
US20090145706A1 (en) * 2005-10-19 2009-06-11 öHLINS RACING AB Arrangement for telescopic fork leg with parallel damping
US20090192673A1 (en) * 2008-01-24 2009-07-30 Cannondale Bicycle Corporation Bicycle user interface system and method of operation thereof
US20090277736A1 (en) * 2008-05-09 2009-11-12 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Bicycle damper
US20090277732A1 (en) * 2008-05-09 2009-11-12 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Bicycle damper
US20100010709A1 (en) * 2008-01-24 2010-01-14 Cannondale Bicycle Corporation Bicycle distributed computing arrangement and method of operation
US20100102531A1 (en) * 2005-11-14 2010-04-29 Santa Cruz Bicycles, Inc. Bicycle rear suspension system with controlled variable shock rate
US20100230926A1 (en) * 2009-03-16 2010-09-16 Cycling Sports Group, Inc. Unitary crown fork assembly and method of fabrication
US20100320656A1 (en) * 2005-11-29 2010-12-23 Martin Achenbach Spring system, in particular for bicycles
US8162112B2 (en) 2007-02-09 2012-04-24 Competition Tire East Methods and apparatus for protecting a shock absorber from bottoming
US20120235332A1 (en) * 2011-03-14 2012-09-20 Sram, Llc Control Assembly For A Bicycle Shock Absorber
USD672690S1 (en) * 2011-06-16 2012-12-18 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Bicycle frame
US8950558B2 (en) 2011-12-29 2015-02-10 Fox Factory, Inc. Dampers with thermal expansion compensation
US8960389B2 (en) 2009-09-18 2015-02-24 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Bicycle shock absorber with slidable inertia mass
US8998231B2 (en) * 2013-04-04 2015-04-07 Sram, Llc Bicycle suspension system
US20180094689A1 (en) * 2016-09-30 2018-04-05 Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha Shock absorber, vehicle, and snowmobile
US10336398B2 (en) * 2015-02-27 2019-07-02 Cmh Plus Holdings Ltd. Rear suspension system for a bicycle
US10598246B2 (en) 2017-06-06 2020-03-24 Reyco Granning, Llc Strut assembly with combined gas spring and damper
US11077913B2 (en) * 2018-06-22 2021-08-03 Orbea, S. Coop Bicycle frame with integrated shock absorber
USD958702S1 (en) 2020-08-05 2022-07-26 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Bicycle frame

Citations (18)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4756393A (en) * 1985-08-16 1988-07-12 Iku Holding Montfoort B.V. Apparatus for varying the damping characteristics of a shock absorber
US4926983A (en) * 1988-02-25 1990-05-22 Robert Bosch Gmbh Hydraulic shock absorber
US5186481A (en) * 1991-04-03 1993-02-16 Rockshox, Inc. Bicycle with improved front fork wheel suspension
US5211268A (en) * 1988-08-01 1993-05-18 Monroe Auto Equipment Company Control valve for shock absorbers
US5275264A (en) * 1992-09-25 1994-01-04 Calzolari Isella Setting shock absorber for cycles
US5301776A (en) * 1991-11-16 1994-04-12 Boge Ag Hydraulic adjustable vibration damper
US5308099A (en) * 1989-09-26 1994-05-03 Browning Michael R S Bicycle suspension system
US5369345A (en) * 1992-03-31 1994-11-29 Seagate Technology, Inc. Method and apparatus for adaptive control
US5456480A (en) * 1994-06-06 1995-10-10 Rockshox, Inc. Fork suspension with variable hydraulic damping
US5522483A (en) * 1993-04-08 1996-06-04 Stabilus Gmbh Shock absorber
US5542509A (en) * 1994-03-11 1996-08-06 Gabriel Ride Control Products, Inc. Shock absorber having externally adjustable compression
US5682966A (en) * 1994-10-07 1997-11-04 Cabrerizo-Pariente; Antonio Rear shock absorber for bicycles
US5775677A (en) * 1995-02-07 1998-07-07 Englund; Arlo C. Air or gas sprung and dampened shock absorber
US5810128A (en) * 1995-05-18 1998-09-22 Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha Shock absorber
US5848675A (en) * 1996-10-03 1998-12-15 Answer Products, Inc. Damping apparatus for bicycle forks
US5971116A (en) * 1997-03-13 1999-10-26 Cannondale Corporation Electronic suspension system for a wheeled vehicle
US6120049A (en) * 1998-10-29 2000-09-19 Answer Products, Inc. Bicycle shock absorber including lockout means
US6149174A (en) * 1997-01-13 2000-11-21 Bohn; David D. Electronically controlled bicycle suspension apparatus

Patent Citations (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4756393A (en) * 1985-08-16 1988-07-12 Iku Holding Montfoort B.V. Apparatus for varying the damping characteristics of a shock absorber
US4926983A (en) * 1988-02-25 1990-05-22 Robert Bosch Gmbh Hydraulic shock absorber
US5211268A (en) * 1988-08-01 1993-05-18 Monroe Auto Equipment Company Control valve for shock absorbers
US5634653A (en) * 1989-09-26 1997-06-03 Cannondale Corporation Bicycle suspension system
US5308099A (en) * 1989-09-26 1994-05-03 Browning Michael R S Bicycle suspension system
US5186481A (en) * 1991-04-03 1993-02-16 Rockshox, Inc. Bicycle with improved front fork wheel suspension
US5301776A (en) * 1991-11-16 1994-04-12 Boge Ag Hydraulic adjustable vibration damper
US5369345A (en) * 1992-03-31 1994-11-29 Seagate Technology, Inc. Method and apparatus for adaptive control
US5275264A (en) * 1992-09-25 1994-01-04 Calzolari Isella Setting shock absorber for cycles
US5522483A (en) * 1993-04-08 1996-06-04 Stabilus Gmbh Shock absorber
US5542509A (en) * 1994-03-11 1996-08-06 Gabriel Ride Control Products, Inc. Shock absorber having externally adjustable compression
US5456480A (en) * 1994-06-06 1995-10-10 Rockshox, Inc. Fork suspension with variable hydraulic damping
US5682966A (en) * 1994-10-07 1997-11-04 Cabrerizo-Pariente; Antonio Rear shock absorber for bicycles
US5775677A (en) * 1995-02-07 1998-07-07 Englund; Arlo C. Air or gas sprung and dampened shock absorber
US5810128A (en) * 1995-05-18 1998-09-22 Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha Shock absorber
US5848675A (en) * 1996-10-03 1998-12-15 Answer Products, Inc. Damping apparatus for bicycle forks
US6149174A (en) * 1997-01-13 2000-11-21 Bohn; David D. Electronically controlled bicycle suspension apparatus
US5971116A (en) * 1997-03-13 1999-10-26 Cannondale Corporation Electronic suspension system for a wheeled vehicle
US6120049A (en) * 1998-10-29 2000-09-19 Answer Products, Inc. Bicycle shock absorber including lockout means

Cited By (95)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20080041678A1 (en) * 1999-04-06 2008-02-21 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Bicycle damping enhancement system
US9580134B2 (en) 1999-04-06 2017-02-28 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Bicycle damping enhancement system
US20080007025A1 (en) * 1999-04-06 2008-01-10 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Bicycle damping enhancement system
US8333268B2 (en) 1999-04-06 2012-12-18 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Bicycle damping enhancement system
US8453808B2 (en) 1999-04-06 2013-06-04 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Bicycle damping enhancement system
US20080007027A1 (en) * 1999-04-06 2008-01-10 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Bicycle damping enhancement system
US8978846B2 (en) 1999-04-06 2015-03-17 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Bicycle damping enhancement system
US20080093819A1 (en) * 1999-04-06 2008-04-24 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Bicycle damping enhancement system
US7748506B2 (en) 1999-04-06 2010-07-06 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Bicycle damping enhancement system
US7694987B2 (en) 1999-04-06 2010-04-13 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Bicycle damping enhancement system
US7497308B2 (en) 1999-04-06 2009-03-03 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Bicycle damping enhancement system
US7568563B2 (en) * 1999-04-06 2009-08-04 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Bicycle damping enhancement system
US7673726B2 (en) 1999-04-06 2010-03-09 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Bicycle damping enhancement system
US6863291B2 (en) * 2000-01-13 2005-03-08 Shimano, Inc. Bicycle suspension
US6688626B2 (en) * 2000-03-20 2004-02-10 Andreas Felsl Bicycle
US20040061303A1 (en) * 2000-03-20 2004-04-01 Andreas Felsl Bicycle
US7017928B2 (en) * 2000-03-20 2006-03-28 Andreas Felsl Bicycle
US7182358B2 (en) * 2001-07-06 2007-02-27 Andreas Felsl Bicycle
US20040232650A1 (en) * 2001-07-06 2004-11-25 Andreas Felsl Bicycle
US7255359B2 (en) * 2001-07-06 2007-08-14 Andreas Felsl Bicycle
US20060202442A1 (en) * 2001-07-06 2006-09-14 Andreas Felsl Bicycle
US20060011432A1 (en) * 2002-05-29 2006-01-19 Progressive Suspension, Inc. Hydraulic dampers with pressure regulated control valve
US20040020730A1 (en) * 2002-05-29 2004-02-05 Progressive Suspension, Inc., Hydraulic dampers with pressure regulated control valve
US8118144B2 (en) 2002-05-29 2012-02-21 Turner Technology Group, Inc. Hydraulic dampers with pressure regulated control valve
US20090140475A1 (en) * 2002-05-29 2009-06-04 Turner Technology Group Hydraulic dampers with pressure regulated control valve
US7308976B2 (en) 2002-05-29 2007-12-18 Turner Technology Group Hydraulic dampers with pressure regulated control valve
WO2003102425A3 (en) * 2002-05-29 2004-07-01 Progressive Suspension Inc Hydraulic dampers with pressure regulated control valve and remote pressure adjustment
US6978872B2 (en) 2002-05-29 2005-12-27 Progressive Suspension Inc. Hydraulic dampers with pressure regulated control valve
US20050241869A1 (en) * 2003-01-23 2005-11-03 Phillips J A Iii Personal transport vehicle, such as bicycle
US7150337B2 (en) 2003-01-23 2006-12-19 Biketoo, Incorporated Personal transport vehicle, such as bicycle
US6964313B2 (en) 2003-01-23 2005-11-15 Biketoo, Incorporated Personal transport vehicle, such as a bicycle
US6786498B1 (en) * 2003-04-28 2004-09-07 Giant Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Shock absorbing device for a bicycle
US20040239071A1 (en) * 2003-05-27 2004-12-02 Chamberlain Jason L. Bicycle rear suspension
US6880847B2 (en) * 2003-05-27 2005-04-19 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Bicycle rear suspension
US20050218573A1 (en) * 2003-06-17 2005-10-06 Arvin Technologies, Inc. ATV coil spring preload equalizing adjuster
US7441640B2 (en) * 2003-10-08 2008-10-28 Peter Russell Shock absorber apparatus
US20050077131A1 (en) * 2003-10-08 2005-04-14 Peter Russell Shock absorber apparatus
US7124865B2 (en) 2004-02-13 2006-10-24 Progressive Suspension, Inc. Pressure regulating dampers
US20050178626A1 (en) * 2004-02-13 2005-08-18 Progressive Suspension, Inc. Pressure regulating dampers
US20050252330A1 (en) * 2004-05-13 2005-11-17 Denk Engineering Gmbh Switch apparatus
GB2415027A (en) * 2004-06-11 2005-12-14 James Davies Internal coil shock absorber
GB2415027B (en) * 2004-06-11 2007-01-17 James Davies Internal coil shock absorber
US20060064223A1 (en) * 2004-09-20 2006-03-23 Darrell Voss Vehicle systems and method
US7320387B2 (en) * 2005-04-06 2008-01-22 Arvinmeritor Technology, Llc Load adaptive damper with transient air signal restrictor
US20060226587A1 (en) * 2005-04-06 2006-10-12 Arvinmeritor Technology, Llc Load adaptive damper with transient air signal restrictor
US20090145706A1 (en) * 2005-10-19 2009-06-11 öHLINS RACING AB Arrangement for telescopic fork leg with parallel damping
US7766138B2 (en) * 2005-10-19 2010-08-03 Ohlins Racing Ab Arrangement for telescopic fork leg with parallel damping
US20070108725A1 (en) * 2005-11-14 2007-05-17 Santa Cruz Bicycles, Inc. Bicycle rear wheel suspension system with controlled variable shock rate
US8272657B2 (en) 2005-11-14 2012-09-25 Santa Cruz Bicycles, Inc. Bicycle rear suspension system with controlled variable shock rate
US20100102531A1 (en) * 2005-11-14 2010-04-29 Santa Cruz Bicycles, Inc. Bicycle rear suspension system with controlled variable shock rate
US8641072B2 (en) 2005-11-14 2014-02-04 Santa Cruz Bicycles, Inc. Bicycle rear suspension system with controlled variable shock rate
US7784810B2 (en) * 2005-11-14 2010-08-31 Santa Cruz Bicycles, Inc. Bicycle rear wheel suspension system with controlled variable shock rate
US7581743B2 (en) 2005-11-14 2009-09-01 Santa Cruz Bicycles, Inc. Bicycle rear wheel suspension system with controlled variable shock rate
US20090278331A1 (en) * 2005-11-14 2009-11-12 Santa Cruz Bicycles, Inc. Bicycle Rear Wheel Suspension System with Controlled Variable Shock Rate
US8733774B2 (en) 2005-11-14 2014-05-27 Santa Cruz Bicycles, Inc. Bicycle rear suspension system with controlled variable shock rate
US20100320656A1 (en) * 2005-11-29 2010-12-23 Martin Achenbach Spring system, in particular for bicycles
US8944422B2 (en) * 2005-11-29 2015-02-03 Dt Swiss, Inc. Spring system for bicycles
ES2319140B1 (en) * 2006-05-11 2010-01-25 Universitat Politecnica De Catalunya ACTIVE SUSPENSION SYSTEM FOR TWO-WHEELED VEHICLES.
ES2319140A1 (en) * 2006-05-11 2009-05-04 Universitat Politecnica De Catalunya ACTIVE SUSPENSION SYSTEM FOR TWO-WHEELED VEHICLES.
US8162112B2 (en) 2007-02-09 2012-04-24 Competition Tire East Methods and apparatus for protecting a shock absorber from bottoming
US20080252040A1 (en) * 2007-04-16 2008-10-16 James Colegrove Bicycle rear wheel suspension system
US7837213B2 (en) 2007-04-16 2010-11-23 Trek Bicycle Corporation Bicycle rear wheel suspension system
US8882127B2 (en) 2007-04-16 2014-11-11 Trek Bicycle Corporation Bicycle rear wheel suspension system
US8235409B2 (en) 2007-04-16 2012-08-07 Trek Bicycle Corporation Bicycle rear wheel suspension system
USD593457S1 (en) 2007-06-29 2009-06-02 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Bicycle frame
US20090001684A1 (en) * 2007-06-29 2009-01-01 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Bicycle suspension assembly
US8121757B2 (en) 2008-01-24 2012-02-21 Cannondale Bicycle Corporation Bicycle user interface system and method of operation thereof
US20100010709A1 (en) * 2008-01-24 2010-01-14 Cannondale Bicycle Corporation Bicycle distributed computing arrangement and method of operation
US20090192673A1 (en) * 2008-01-24 2009-07-30 Cannondale Bicycle Corporation Bicycle user interface system and method of operation thereof
US8489278B2 (en) 2008-01-24 2013-07-16 Cycling Sports Group, Inc. Bicycle user interface system and method of operation thereof
US8386127B2 (en) 2008-01-24 2013-02-26 Cycling Sports Group, Inc. Bicycle user interface system and method of operation thereof
US20090277736A1 (en) * 2008-05-09 2009-11-12 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Bicycle damper
US20100224455A1 (en) * 2008-05-09 2010-09-09 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Bicycle damper
US8336683B2 (en) 2008-05-09 2012-12-25 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Bicycle damper
US20090277732A1 (en) * 2008-05-09 2009-11-12 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Bicycle damper
US8276719B2 (en) 2008-05-09 2012-10-02 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Bicycle damper
US8511445B2 (en) 2008-05-09 2013-08-20 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Bicycle damper
US8342302B2 (en) 2008-05-09 2013-01-01 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Bicycle damper
US20100224456A1 (en) * 2008-05-09 2010-09-09 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Bicycle damper
US20100229675A1 (en) * 2009-03-16 2010-09-16 Cycling Sports Group, Inc. Unitary crank spindle assembly and method of fabrication
US8770609B2 (en) 2009-03-16 2014-07-08 Cycling Sports Group, Inc. Unitary crown fork assembly and method of fabrication
US20100230926A1 (en) * 2009-03-16 2010-09-16 Cycling Sports Group, Inc. Unitary crown fork assembly and method of fabrication
US9259777B2 (en) 2009-03-16 2016-02-16 Cycling Sports Group, Inc. Unitary crank spindle assembly and method of fabrication
US8960389B2 (en) 2009-09-18 2015-02-24 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Bicycle shock absorber with slidable inertia mass
US20120235332A1 (en) * 2011-03-14 2012-09-20 Sram, Llc Control Assembly For A Bicycle Shock Absorber
US9593736B2 (en) * 2011-03-14 2017-03-14 Sram, Llc Control assembly for a bicycle shock absorber
USD672690S1 (en) * 2011-06-16 2012-12-18 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Bicycle frame
US8950558B2 (en) 2011-12-29 2015-02-10 Fox Factory, Inc. Dampers with thermal expansion compensation
US8998231B2 (en) * 2013-04-04 2015-04-07 Sram, Llc Bicycle suspension system
US10336398B2 (en) * 2015-02-27 2019-07-02 Cmh Plus Holdings Ltd. Rear suspension system for a bicycle
US20180094689A1 (en) * 2016-09-30 2018-04-05 Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha Shock absorber, vehicle, and snowmobile
US10823249B2 (en) * 2016-09-30 2020-11-03 Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha Shock absorber, vehicle, and snowmobile
US10598246B2 (en) 2017-06-06 2020-03-24 Reyco Granning, Llc Strut assembly with combined gas spring and damper
US11077913B2 (en) * 2018-06-22 2021-08-03 Orbea, S. Coop Bicycle frame with integrated shock absorber
USD958702S1 (en) 2020-08-05 2022-07-26 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Bicycle frame

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE29918590U1 (en) 2000-03-02

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6286642B1 (en) Fluid regulating device for use with a shock-absorbing cylinder to obtain a variable shock absorbing effect
JP4611018B2 (en) Hydraulic damper with pressure control valve and secondary piston
US6254067B1 (en) Fluid regulating device for use with a hydraulic cylinder to obtain a variable shock absorbing effect
US4030715A (en) Pneumatic shock absorber for suspension of cars and/or similar vehicles
TWI510401B (en) Hydraulic brake mechanism
EP2868497A1 (en) Valve stem-based air maintenance tire and method
EP2868498B1 (en) Air maintenance tire and valve assembly and method
US4153266A (en) Air shock apparatus for motorcycles
EP2868495A1 (en) Valve stem-based pressure regulator system for an air maintenance tire and method
GB2164119A (en) Pneumatic or hydropneumatic tension spring
US4392664A (en) Front fork of motorcycle
CN101628577A (en) Hysteresis characterizing typed electro pedal device
WO2020016916A1 (en) Hydraulic damper
US6044940A (en) Remote-controlled hydropneumatic shock absorber
US4735232A (en) Device to regulate the pressure of a tire on a moving vehicle
DK0565015T3 (en)
US4113279A (en) Hydropneumatic spring element
JPH0534167B2 (en)
US2909157A (en) Fluid pressure motor, particularly for vehicular power steering
US6827156B1 (en) Vibration suppressing device for air hammer
EP1469226A3 (en) Lengthwise adjustable gas spring
KR930000192B1 (en) Brake control valve
KR200384518Y1 (en) Air compressor for tire inflating combination
US4256145A (en) Impact type tools
US4511185A (en) Brake pressure regulator for an hydraulic vehicle braking system

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: GIANT MFG. CO., LTD., TAIWAN

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:YI, CHEN-HSING;REEL/FRAME:010323/0931

Effective date: 19991006

REMI Maintenance fee reminder mailed
LAPS Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees
STCH Information on status: patent discontinuation

Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362

FP Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee

Effective date: 20050911